Article by Lindsey Hedrick

If you see a six-foot tall black cat walking around campus: don’t be alarmed. With athletics at Drury University in full-swing, it’s common to see the campus mascot, Pouncer the Panther, walking around campus. However, not much is known about him – besides the fact, he’s the life of the party.

Good thing The Mirror got the inside scoop about who he really is.

History of our mascot

According to William Garvin, library director and university archivist, Drury’s panther mascot has been a staple since 1896. He was originally named Peter in 1928 and it was later shortened to Pete in 1958.

But Barbara Cowherd, associate director of athletics, explained that the name Pouncer was actually decided upon during a university contest.

“When the women’s [basketball] program was instituted in 2000, they purchased a separate mascot with a more kid friendly feel,” Cowherd said. “During that year they had a naming contest for their mascot and Pouncer won the contest. Once we moved to the O’Reilly Family Event Center we moved to one mascot and maintained the name.”

Pouncer’s name isn’t the only thing that has changed.

The suit of the mascot has drastically changed over the years. In the 70’s, the suit was lighter in color and the panther wore no outer clothing.

Over the years the suit  changed colors to black and a jersey was added. Now the suit includes a jersey and shorts, making Pouncer a full-blown basketball star. Details were also added in the face, shoes and claws to give him more defining characteristics.

Drury’s archives show numerous photos of the mascot – except the head was often removed, showing the student inside the costume. This is not seen as much today and is typically frowned upon throughout the Drury community.

Pouncer has his own identity and it is essential that the people in the suit do not relate themselves as being Pouncer. Plus it ruins the appeal, especially for young children. Drury likes to think of mascot-students as the “handlers” of Pouncer.

Interview with the Cat Himself

Pouncer’s handlers have a very unique task: take care of the bipedal panther and keep their identities unknown to Drury and its guests. To maintain his image as a “kool kat,” this is a requirement set by Pouncer himself and must be followed.

Other job requirements include making sure Pouncer is hydrated and safe at all times, and never telling where people where he likes to cat nap.

Pouncer’s handler’s helped Pouncer answer interview questions (since he isn’t one to talk) during his interview with  The Mirror:

What do you do to get hyped-up for games?

I drink lots of water, stretch, eat a good meal, and hit the spirit of Weiser before every game.

What motivates you?

Cheering on the Drury Panthers and seeing all my friends at O’Reilly.

What is your favorite thing about being a performer?

Making people laugh and being in control of the crowd.

What is your signature dance move?

Dancing is definitely not my strong suit. However, I’m never afraid to bust a move. A signature move of mine is spinning my tail around and pumping up the crowd, in general.

What is something that you struggle with?

My tail often gets stuck in the chairs.

How do you appeal to the younger audience?

I try to interact with the newest Fanthers and make them laugh.

How do you stay enthusiastic through a doubleheader?

Crowd interaction keeps me motivated because, if the fans are into the game, it makes the time go by faster. I also make sure I drink lots of water to keep me hydrated.

Want to know more about Drury’s  mascot? Check out Pouncer’s Instagram at @dupouncer!

Become a Fanther

What Pouncer really likes to see is huge crowds. He loves to show his spirit with as many people as possible, and encourages Drury students to join Fanthers and continue growing the student section at games.   

Fanthers is completely free to join, and their meetings involve enhancing Drury pride and attending games in support.

To add even more incentive, all games count towards Panther Passport points – which hopefully means free money at the end of the school year for students who are passport approved.

For more information about game times and locations, check out D.Cal. All games and times are listed, so schedule them into your planner and get excited.